Summer is coming to a close. The most active mosquito season is also nearing its end. What has 2020 looked like for mosquito-borne illnesses?
There has been such focus on COVID-19 in 2020, mosquito-born illnesses might not have been at the front of your mind. Even so, they remain a great threat to our health. We have seen Eastern equine encephalitis make an appearance again in 2020. As of September 9, the CDC reports there have been five confirmed cases of EEE in the United States. Three of those cases were in Massachusetts. The first EEE death in 2020 was in Wisconsin, where two of the five reported cases originated. This shows once again, how rare EEE is, but it also illustrates how deadly it can be, with a 20% death rate so far. The typical death rate of EEE is about 30%. What are some other reported mosquito-borne illnesses in 2020?
Mosquito-borne illnesses in 2020
Also read: Where did EEE originate?
Zika virus in 2020
The CDC also reports that there has been one confirmed case of Zika virus in the United States this year. Zika is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which we do have in the U.S and Massachusetts. However, the only reported case of Zika was not contracted in the United States. CDC data show that even though we have seen 13 cases of locally-transmitted Zika virus in U.S. territories, the one case in the U.S. was contracted by someone, who traveled to an affected area and back to the United States.
Aedes aegypti transmits Zika virus
West Nile virus in 2020
According to the CDC, there have been 81 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the United States so far in 2020. 76% of these West Nile cases have resulted in meningitis or encephalitis. California has the most cases of West Nile, having reported 36 cases as of September 9. Massachusetts has reported 3 cases. Two of those resulted in brain infection. West Nile virus is spread by the Culex mosquito species. This mosquito-borne illness originates in birds. Humans are infected most commonly by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird. Less-common means of transmission for West Nile are via blood or organ donation, as well from mothers to babies.
Culex pipiens mosquito carries West Nile virus
Common symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses
Some mosquito-borne illnesses can be fatal
There are a wide range of symptoms related to mosquito-born diseases. Some are shared between illnesses. That is why it is important to seek immediate medical care if you suspect that you or a family member has contracted an illness after a mosquito bite.
Here are some common symptoms shared between EEE, Zika virus, and West Nile virus:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain or weakness
More serious symptoms of West Nile virus and EEE are:
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures or Convulsions
Preventing mosquito-borne illnesses
Prevent mosquito-borne illnesses with professional mosquito control at home
Preventing mosquito-borne illnesses is achieved by using mosquito repellent if you are out of doors and away from home. Hikers and outdoor adventure seekers often wear clothing that has been treated with insecticide or repellent. At home, professional mosquito control is essential. It should be applied from early springtime through early autumn. The best mosquito protection is available from Central Mass mosquito control companies. Reputable companies offer both all-natural repellents and EPA-registered insecticides, which work for a few weeks per application.